In December 2020, 2gether’s People Team received a Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD) award for the work they have been doing during the pandemic.

Throughout the pandemic the team have gone beyond what is expected of them in terms of providing advice and support to managers and staff. They have worked extra hours including evenings and weekends.

The team have been faced with the challenges of providing support and guidance for staff who found themselves unsure or unclear whether they should attend the workplace.

Samantha Follington, Head of People and Talent said: “There was no guidance provided and the some of the advice given by the team required in depth research into government and world health advice. Alongside this, the recruitment of temporary staff increased tenfold and the team took on a new role of providing workforce planning advice for new roles created to assist in the safe working environment.”

Jacqui Siggers, People Director, worked very closely with the Unions, Occupational Health and the Health & Safety team to implement the correct guidance and documentation needed to protect staff members.